How Do You Get A Part-Time Job?

Sometimes there’s a big change in your life and your work life has to give a little to help you get through. For many of us this means going part-time, but it isn’t always that easy is it? I thought you’d like this quiz about part-time working which gives you information and feedback on your chances of getting a part-time job.

My own personal experience was that when it came to working, it all needed to change following the birth of my son. Fast forward 9 years and here I am working from home, working for myself and loving it. Self-employed work isn’t for everyone though and you certainly miss out on some of the benefits of working for an employer. Working from home is very flexible, but it can be a bit isolating, so again it might not be right for you. There are plenty of options out there though, it’s just a case of knowing how to access them.

An amazing 1 in 4 workers are now part-time and everyone now has the right to ask their employer if they can work part-time. But as a lot of working mums know, whilst part-time work is available, it isn’t without a few issues:

What do you do if your employer says no to part-time working?

What happens when you want to move employer? Or maybe go for a promotion? Will you be able to do that and maintain your part-time hours?

Does working part-time mean settling for less, whether that’s less pay or less of a career? It’s a bit scary when you think that less than 1 in 10 are advertised on a part-time basis (this figure is for quality jobs with salaries at £20k+ pro rata).

Will I be stuck in this job? If I lose this job will I be able to get a new one at decent pay? Many people find that they have to down-skill if they look for a new part-time job and that usually means less money. 1,500,000 people in the UK are currently trapped in low-paid part-time jobs below their skill level.

If I lose my part-time job, will I be unemployed for longer? 400,000 unemployed people in the UK can’t take a job unless they can find one that allows them to work part-time or flexibly.

I was interested to hear about the Hire Me My Way campaign which is calling on all employers to start advertising their new jobs as being open to flexible working options. In other words, extending the ‘right to ask for flexibility’ to day one of a new hire, rather than just being a right for existing employees. I think this would be a great move for the many people who need a part-time job, especially busy parents with family life to juggle.

I work part time at the moment, which often means that my hours can be flexible around appointments etc. although it does mean that sometimes you miss out on main events from the times you’re not in. There are definitely pros & cons. I miss working from home in honesty and really wish my work were open to offering me some work at home hours . Off to investigate the campaign!

I spent my whole working life as self employed, but I was VERY good at what I did so it was relatively easy to work as much or as little as I wanted to. This would be much more difficult for unskilled work. I think more employers should be open to flexitime and not fixed hours, which would help a lot of people!

Many people may require part time sand / or flexible hours at some point in their workings life. Seems sensible and supportive for employers to allow this if they can. As work may be for finances to fund daily living expenses. But a sense of self – worth and job satisfaction can be gained through a good working enviroment / situation / experience. Happy workers tend to be more productive :- Therefore Business can also Benefit from good working conditions for employee.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

you MUST enable javascript to be able to comment

About me

I’m Erica Price and I run Nine to Three Thirty. I’m a blogger based in Birmingham in the West Midlands. Nine to Three Thirty focuses on topics that interest or concern parents of school age children. Learn more